Checkout the Which University in Saudi Arabia is best for International Students....
Apr 09, 2025 02:19:46
Location: Thuwal (near Jeddah)
Specialties: Science, engineering, technology, environment
Language: English
Highlights:
Fully funded scholarships for international students
World-class research facilities
Graduate-level only (Master’s and PhD)
International faculty and student body
Location: Riyadh
Specialties: Medicine, engineering, humanities, science
Language: Some programs in English
Highlights:
Scholarships available for non-Saudis
One of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the country
Has a dedicated Deanship for Admission and Registration for international students
Location: Dhahran
Specialties: Petroleum engineering, chemical engineering, business, computer science
Language: English (main medium of instruction)
Highlights:
Highly ranked in engineering and technology
Offers graduate scholarships for international students
Strong ties with the energy sector (especially Aramco)
Location: Madinah
Specialties: Islamic studies, Arabic language, engineering, science
Language: Primarily Arabic, some courses in English
Highlights:
Focus on Islamic and Arabic education
Fully funded scholarships for Muslim male students from abroad
Accommodation, healthcare, and stipends provided
Location: Riyadh
Specialties: Education, health sciences, social sciences, design
Language: Arabic and English
Highlights:
Largest women’s university in the world
Offers some programs for international female students
Modern campus with strong support services
Location: Jeddah
Specialties: Business, science, engineering, arts, medicine
Language: Arabic and English
Highlights:
Strong international graduate programs
Scholarships available (including fully funded postgraduate ones)
Large and diverse student population
Type: Fully funded scholarships for all admitted students (Master’s & PhD)
What’s Covered: Tuition, housing, monthly stipend, health insurance, travel support
Eligibility: Open to all nationalities; strong academic background required
Type: Graduate scholarships (Master’s & PhD)
What’s Covered: Full tuition, housing, monthly stipend, medical care, subsidized meals
Eligibility: International students with strong academic and research potential
Type: Fully funded scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate international students
What’s Covered: Tuition, monthly stipend, accommodation, health care, flight tickets
Eligibility: Open to non-Saudi students with academic merit
Type: Scholarships mainly for Arabic language and Islamic studies, but also some STEM and health fields
What’s Covered: Tuition, monthly stipend, housing, and medical care
Eligibility: International students, especially from Muslim-majority countries
Type: Fully funded undergraduate scholarships for Muslim males
What’s Covered: Tuition, monthly allowance, accommodation, plane tickets, health care
Eligibility: Muslim male students (non-Saudi); priority for Islamic studies
Type: Limited scholarships for international female students
What’s Covered: May include tuition, housing, and stipends depending on program
Eligibility: Women from outside Saudi Arabia; varies by department
Type: Scholarships for international students (mainly in Islamic and Arabic studies)
What’s Covered: Tuition, accommodation, allowance, flight tickets, medical services
Eligibility: Open to international Muslim students
Language: Entirely English-speaking campus
Student Body: Extremely diverse – over 100 nationalities
Level: Graduate (Master’s & PhD only)
Modern, gated campus like a small city
On-campus housing (apartments and family housing)
International school for kids (if you’re coming with family)
Restaurants, supermarkets, beaches, and a golf course
Free access to fitness centers, cinemas, libraries, and labs
Welcome program for new international students
Visa assistance, health insurance, and 24/7 medical center
Career development, counseling, and academic support
Clubs, sports teams, and events for all interests (cultural, tech, arts)
Location: Jeddah (on the coast, more cosmopolitan)
Offers: Fully funded scholarships + solid academic programs
Support Services:
International student affairs office
On-campus housing
Arabic and Islamic culture orientation programs
Student Life: Clubs, student societies, occasional concerts and events, cultural exchange activities
Location: Riyadh (the capital, more conservative)
Support Services:
Housing and financial support for international students
Arabic language programs
Medical facilities, sports complexes
Campus Life: More academic-focused; student life is active but less international than KAUST or KAU
Islamic University of Madinah – Excellent facilities and fully funded, but the focus is religious studies, and campus life is quieter and more traditional.
Princess Nourah University (PNU) – Amazing for women’s support and services, but less international exposure.
100% research-focused graduate university (only Master’s and PhD programs)
Massive funding from the Saudi government and private sectors
Hosts world-class labs, research centers, and collaborations (e.g., Red Sea research, energy, AI, robotics, water desalination)
Research is often published in high-impact international journals
Students work closely with international faculty from top universities worldwide
Solid research institution, especially in medicine, engineering, pharmaceuticals, and Arabic/Islamic studies
Has dedicated research centers and funding, but not as well-resourced as KAUST
More of a teaching university with research as a component, not the core
Good for undergraduates and domestic research, but fewer cutting-edge international projects compared to KAUST
Looks and functions like a mini high-tech city
Research labs = world-class (some of the best in the Middle East)
24/7 access to modern facilities
Oceanfront campus with private beaches, marine lab, innovation hubs
Futuristic architecture, sustainable buildings, high-speed internet campus-wide
Well-equipped, especially the medical and engineering faculties
Big campus with libraries, clinics, lecture halls, and labs
Facilities are modern but more traditional compared to KAUST
Shared with a large number of students, so resources are more spread out
Everything is tailored for an international audience:
English-speaking environment
On-campus housing guaranteed
Cultural onboarding, visa services, healthcare, career counseling
Diverse community: more than 100 nationalities
International partnerships with top universities worldwide
Some international support, but primarily aimed at Arabic-speaking or Muslim students
English is used in some programs, especially in science and medicine
Scholarships exist, but fewer structured services compared to KAUST
Less international exposure on campus
High school diploma or equivalent (usually with good GPA)
Transcripts (official + translated into Arabic or English)
Passport copy
Recommendation letters (sometimes required)
Language proficiency (if applicable):
Arabic programs: proof of Arabic proficiency (if not native)
English programs: TOEFL or IELTS
Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s) or Master’s degree (for PhD)
Transcripts and graduation certificates
Letters of recommendation (usually 2–3)
Statement of purpose or research proposal
CV or resume
Language test scores:
TOEFL / IELTS (for English-medium programs)
Arabic proficiency (for Arabic programs)
GRE (only required by some programs, like at KAUST or KFUPM)
Medical report/health certificate
Police clearance certificate (in some cases)
Birth certificate copy
Passport-sized photos
Some universities (especially Islamic ones like Islamic University of Madinah or Imam Muhammad ibn Saud University) only accept Muslim students.
Others, like KAUST, KAU, KSU, and KFUPM, are open to all nationalities and religions.
After evaluation, you receive a formal acceptance letter
You’ll also get a visa authorization number issued by the Ministry of Education
You apply for the visa using:
Acceptance letter from the university
Visa authorization number
Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
Medical report
Passport-sized photos
Visa application form (from Saudi embassy/consulate)
You may be required to undergo a medical exam at an approved clinic or hospital
HIV and hepatitis tests are usually mandatory
Once approved, you’ll receive a Student Visa (Type: Study Visa) – usually valid for one year and renewable
After arriving in Saudi Arabia, the university helps you register and obtain an Iqama (residency card) which acts as your legal ID in the country
Airport pickup
Orientation programs
Language support (Arabic or English)
Student housing placement
On-campus health care
